Beautiful scents

Alternative ways of managing discomfort are on the rise, and aromatherapy is one of the many non-medicated forms of pain relief that you can try, writes Tina Otte

AROMATHERAPY IS THE use of highly concentrated oils distilled from plants to calm the mind and dissipate discomfort. Inhalation of essential oils for the purpose of improving psychological and physiological symptoms is known as aromatherapy. These essential oils can be used on the skin, as an inhalant, and can also be used in the bath or in a burner. If used for massage, they are usually diluted in a base or carrier oil. Oils can be combined and rubbed onto the body or inhaled from a drop placed on a tissue. No matter what the mode of application, it has been found to be effective in reducing anxiety, stress and perception of pain, and purify the air. There is evidence that essential oils have been used in daily life, since the beginning of recorded history in Egypt, Ancient Greece, Rome, Arabia as well as China and Japan.

In a recent large-scale study involving more than 8 000 women, results showed that more than 50 percent of those who used aromatherapy found it to be effective in reducing fear and anxiety and promoting relaxation.

This is great for labour and birth, of course, and what’s more, your sense of smell is heightened when you’re pregnant, so these oils can have a particularly potent effect right now.

HOW DO ESSENTIAL OILS WORK?

The healing process happens via two pathways. The first is via inhalation of the essential oils through the respiratory system into the blood stream, then into the tissues and the organs. These oils can also be absorbed through the skin, then into the tissue, and then the organs. You can rub essential oils between your palms to warm them for inhaling. When using essential oils, you stimulate many of your senses, which alters your perception of pain. The scent stimulates the olfactory centres of your brain. These areas are linked to the hypothalamus, the part of your brain that controls your mood.

HOW TO USE THEM

It’s important to use the oils correctly to get the best results.

Always dilute the oils before use. Use three to five drops in 30ml of a carrier oil such as sweet almond, coconut, grapeseed, sunflower or mineral oil.

The oils can be added to a soothing pamper bath or a foot soak during pregnancy and labour, but don’t use them in the water if you’re planning a water birth. They can be massaged onto the feet, back and hands or diffused into the air via a diffuser. For an immediate calming effect, dab some drops onto a tissue and breathe it in. Essential oils can also be used with acupressure during labour. During labour you can administer the prepared oils yourself.

ENDLESS BENEFITS

Aromatherapy oils can change the smell of a harsh labour room to a welcoming, soothing environment that reminds you of a more familiar place. Oils such as lavender and chamomile have a wonderfully soothing effect on the psyche and the body. Both have relaxing and pain-reducing properties. Frankincense slows down and deepens breathing and is good for asthmatics or if you’re panicky and anxious. Neroli oil is uplifting and enhances your mood, and clary sage oil helps with the release of your endorphins and the quelling of fear, therefore very helpful in the later stages of labour.

SAFETY FIRST

There are precautions when using essential oils. Some oils may interact with certain medications. Always check for allergies or skin sensitivities from both the essential oil and the carrier oil, and always try and use high-quality organic oils to decrease the likelihood of skin irritation.

Rub a little oil on your skin to see if you have a reaction before buying. Also, think of those who’ll be at the birth with you – they might be sensitive to the oils. It’s always a good idea to check with your caregiver about using aromatherapy during pregnancy and labour. Consulting with an aromatherapist or your childbirth educator is also an option.

There are a small group of oils that shouldn’t be used in the first few months of pregnancy. These oils may be toxic or cause harm to you or your baby. As long as these oils are avoided, aromatherapy can be used – safely – to help minimise some of the niggles of pregnancy such as nausea, backache and swelling.

The oils that must be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy include those described as “emmenagogues” – they induce menstrual flow – or those recommended for use during labour to strengthen contractions.

These oils include aniseed, mugwort, arnica, basil, birch, camphor, clary sage, cypress, fennel, hyssop, jasmine, juniper, marjoram, myrth, origanum, pennyroyal, peppermint, rose, rosemary, sage and wintergreen. Aromatic baths can certainly be enjoyed during pregnancy and are a wonderful way to unwind at the end of the day.

Always make sure the oils you’re using are safe for the trimester of pregnancy you’re in, and don’t take a bath that’s too hot.